Laura Fernández Delgado has been elected as the next president of Costa Rica, becoming the second woman to hold the office after Laura Chinchilla’s term from 2010 to 2014. Fernández, an economist aged 42, received a congratulatory video call from outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves Robles before delivering her victory speech.
Supporters gathered in spite of cold and rainy weather to celebrate at locations near Hotel Aurola and Morazán Park. The musical group Expreso performed for those assembled. Tension was evident among supporters of Partido Pueblo Soberano during the broadcast by the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE), particularly when its president Eugenia Zamora addressed attempts to discredit the electoral authority.
Excitement grew as early results showed Fernández with a significant lead over other candidates. The crowd responded with chants such as “We already have a president-elect” and “We won in the first round.” Cheers resumed when Fernández’s video call with President Chaves was shown on screen.
In her speech, Fernández stated: “Costa Rica knows that I will fight tirelessly so our country continues on the path of economic growth, freedom, and above all, progress for our people. I am sure this transition will be very pleasant, benefiting those whom some call ‘nobody,’ but who mean everything to me.”
Fernández appeared on stage accompanied by her husband Jeffrey Umaña, first vice president Francisco Gamboa, and second vice president Douglas Soto. Supporters expressed gratitude for the election process and celebrated democracy.
“This is a historic moment and above all a moment of glory for our democracy. The people have spoken; democracy has voted and opted for continuity of change—a change that seeks to rescue and perfect our democratic institutions and return them to you, the Sovereign People,” said Fernández.
She emphasized that Costa Rica had set an example by carrying out what she called a true political revolution. She also warned that challenges lie ahead: “Let us not forget that now comes the hardest part: not disappointing those who placed their trust in us. Today, February 1st, 2026, Costa Rica has closed a chapter in its political history. What was called the Second Republic… is now in the past by express will of Costa Rica’s people.”
Looking forward, Fernández declared: “It is up to us to build the ‘third republic.’ That is why we will install a new government on May 8th. The mandate given by the Sovereign People is clear: change will be deep and irreversible.”
On relations with media outlets—an area marked by tension under President Chaves—Fernández commented: “The role of the press in this ‘third republic’ must be authentically free so it can fulfill its daily duty to inform citizens about national events; press freedom thus understood includes both duty and right to journalistic criticism.”
She further stated: “Journalism is a service to society framed by duties of objectivity, truthfulness, and responsibility; it should not become currency granted so media outlets can traffic public information or manage it in extortionate ways favoring private economic interests.”
The distribution of deputies for Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly during 2026-2030 reflects these political changes.
